Meryl Streep, Stevie Wonder, Marlo Thomas to receive Presidential Medals of Freedom

WASHINGTON, Nov. 10 (UPI) -- Meryl Streep, Marlo Thomas and Stevie Wonder will be among the 19 recipients honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom at a White House ceremony Nov. 24.

"I look forward to presenting these 19 bold, inspiring Americans with our nation's highest civilian honor," U.S. President Barack Obama said in a statement Monday. "From activists who fought for change to artists who explored the furthest reaches of our imagination; from scientists who kept America on the cutting edge to public servants who help write new chapters in our American story, these citizens have made extraordinary contributions to our country and the world."

Also set to be recognized at the ceremony are the late choreographer/dancer Alvin Ailey; author Isabel Allende; broadcast journalist Tom Brokaw; the late civil-rights activists James Chaney, Andrew Goodman, and Michael Schwerner; scientist Mildred Dresselhaus; Congressman John Dingell; activist Ethel Kennedy; writer Suzan Harjo; Abner Mikva, who has served in all three branches of government; Congresswoman Patsy Takemoto Mink; the late Congressman Edward Roybal; professional golfer Charles Sifford; economist Robert Solow; and composer Stephen Sondheim.